Cornerback heads to Mobile, aiming to impress NFL scouts and boost his draft stock after a standout career.
In this day and age of the transfer portal and NIL, it is rare to see a player remain at the same school for their entire collegiate career. Yet, that is what Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Muhammad has done.
Muhammad has logged 41 games for the Longhorns, with 29 starts. At 6-foot, 188 pounds, he was a steady presence in the Longhorns secondary. Last season, Muhammad recorded 30 tackles, four pass breakups, one sack and two interceptions.
Those two interceptions came against their hated rival, the Oklahoma Sooners, in the Red River Rivalry. The Longhorns defeated the No. 6 ranked Sooners 23-6. Muhammad also posted two tackles, one pass defended, and one tackle for loss. For his efforts, Muhammad was named second-team All-SEC.
Despite being a junior at Texas, Muhammad has played three seasons of college football and has notified the NFL of his intention to forego his senior season. As a result, Muhammad is eligible for the NFL Draft.
On Thursday, Muhmmad accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl. He will join teammate Michael Taafe, who will also play in the game. The Senior Bowl has been played since 1950 and is an opportunity for Muhammad to display his gridiron skills and football I.Q. in front of NFL coaches, scouts and general managers.
Muhammad was a member of a Longhorns pass defense that ranked No. 2 in the SEC in interceptions with 16. They also ranked tied for 37th in the FBS with 60 passes defended and 44 pass breakups.
In the three-game winning streak to finish the season 10-3, the Longhorns posted six interceptions, including three against Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
Against Oklahoma, the Longhorns scored the hat trick with three interceptions of Sooners quarterback John Mateer. Texas had multiple interceptions in four games last season, including against UTEP and Texas A&M.
According to NFLDraftBuzz.com, Muhammad projects as a third-round pick. He has speed (4.47 in the 40-yard dash) and athleticism as a track and field performer, participating in the triple jump, long jump and the relay events.
According to his draft profile, Muhammad has good anticipation and can jump the routes to make plays on the ball. He is also skilled in pre-snap recognition, makes personnel adjustment calls and directs players to the proper spots.
Muhammad is off to Mobile, Alabama. It is the site of the greatest concentration of college football talent anywhere in the sport. Playing in this game, having a good week of practice and making the most of the opportunity when Muhammad’s number is called, will help his chances to hear his name called at the NFL Draft. The road to the NFL Draft begins in Mobile.